1913-1945  After a long growth period, the production of Plauen Lace begins to decline,
partly as a result of World War I. Conditions worsen as the economy collapses.
Thousands of people are thrown out of work. During World War II, almost all factories
and designs are destroyed during bombing raids in April 1945. Almost 75% of Plauen
lay in ruins.

1950  The lace and embroidery industry, at first in private hands, begins again in the
German Democratic Republic. In 1972 the East German government nationalizes these
small family-owned factories.

1982  Over 1,400 embroidery and lace machines produce the state-owned Plauen Lace,
which is exported to over 40 countries.

1990  After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany in 1990,
the state-owned factories are privatized. Several families once again take over the
factories they had lost, and attempt to rebuild their companies. The Plauen Lace and
Embroidery Cooperative is founded.

1996  The industry is consolidated into approximately 75 small companies. Plauen Lace
experiences a rebirth in the domestic and foreign markets, as shown in the designs
below.